Plant Substances Research Articles

Identification of Ergastic Subtances of The Order Poales

Ergastic objects are one of the non-protoplasmic components besides vacuoles. Ergastic objects in protoplasts can be solid and liquid.The purpose of the study was to determine how the structure and type of ergastic substances in plants of order poales. This research method includes descriptive research that describes the type and structure of ergastic substances in plants of order poales, the parts observed are bulbs, grains, stems to fruits that contain ergasticsubstances.Based on the results of research on the order of poales found that the order of poales has a diverse type of solid ergastics, such as amylum (starch) found in teapot grass plants (Cyperus rotundus), rice (Oryza sativa) and corn (Zea mays) with various shapes and types, there are also types of ergastic substances in the form of ca-oxalate crystals found in pineapple plants (Ananas comusus) and types of sugar-shaped egastic substances in sugar cane plants (Saccharum officinarum Linn).

Chemosensory detection of glucosinolates as token stimuli for specialist insects on brassicaceous plants: discovery and impact.

In this paper, we take a historical perspective by going back to Verschaffelt's landmark study published in 1910, in which he found that glucosinolates were used as token stimuli by larvae of Pieris butterflies, specialist feeders on plants in the family Brassicaceae. This classic discovery provided key evidence for Fraenkel(Science 129:1466-1470, 1959) to elaborate on the function of secondary plant substances and for Ehrlich and Raven(Evolution 18:586-608, 1964) to put forward the hypothesis of insect-plant coevolution. The discovery by Schoonhoven (Kon Nederl Akad Wetensch Amsterdam Proc Ser C70:556-568, 1967) of taste neurons highly sensitive to glucosinolates in Pieris brassicae was an important milestone in elucidating the chemosensory basis of host-plant specialization. The molecular basis of glucosinolate sensitivity was elucidated recently (Yang et al., PLoS Genet 17, 2021) paving the way to unravel the evolution of gustatory receptors tuned to glucosinolates that are crucial for host-plant selection of Pieris butterflies. We propose a hypothetical model for the evolution of labeled-line neurons tuned to token stimuli.

Unveiling the hidden threat: spatiotemporal trends and source apportionments of per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in wastewater treatment plants in South Africa.

At least 11 per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) were more prevalent during the dry season, whereas only PFBA, L-PFBS, L-PFOS, and PFOA were prevalent during the wet season in 11 WWTPs. The ∑21 PFAS levels in the influent and the effluent ranged from 137 to 3327 ng/L and 265-7,699 ng/L in the dry season and 61-2,953 ng/L and 171-3,458 ng/L in the wet season, respectively. The highest mean concentrations were observed in the influent and effluent for PFOA (586 ng/L) and L-PFBS (552 ng/L); and FOET (1,399 ng/L) and PFNA (811 ng/L) during dry and wet seasons, respectively. During the wet season, 6:2 FTS was observed at the highest concentrations, exhibiting 4,900 ng/L (66%) and 2,351 ng/L (39%), 1,950 ng/L (53%) in SST and BNR, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering (HCA), and PFHpA/PFOA, PFBA/PFOA, and PFNA/PFOA ratios revealed mixtures of PFAS sources into WWTPs.

Формування фітопатогенного мікобіому на вегетативних органах рослин пшениці озимої

Cultivated plants, which are characterized by high resistance to phytopathogenic microorganisms, create significant selective pressure on their populations and select highly pathogenic and aggressive forms. Highly susceptible plants to such microorganisms ensure a rapid growth in the population of phytopathogenic micromycetes in agrocenoses. Cultivation of such plant groups on production crops leads to an increase in biological pollution of the agrosphere and a significant decrease in the level of biological safety. This requires increased use of chemical means of plant protection against diseases, which causes chemical pollution of agroecosystems and leads to a significant decrease in the quality of plant products through the accumulation of metabolic products of phytopathogenic microorganisms in it and a decrease in biological safety in agrocenoses. Therefore, the assessment and selection of winter wheat varieties as a factor in the regulation of the phytopathogenic mycobiome in agrocenoses is a highly relevant area of research that ensures the selection of ecologically safe varieties of cultivated plants. Cultivation of such varieties leads to a decrease in the level of biological pollution in agrocenoses and increases the quality and safety of plant products. It is known that biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors affect the formation of populations of microorganisms. Therefore, the formation of the mycobiome on the vegetative organs of winter wheat during the ontogenesis of plants under traditional and organic technologies was investigated. It has been proven that the meteorological conditions during the years of the study, namely: high air temperature and a significant amount of precipitation during the growing season, which was observed in 2021 and in the long dry years of 2020 and 2022, had a significant impact on the formation of the population of micromycetes in the agrocenosis of winter wheat. According to the results of our own research, the population density of micromycetes and the intensity of sporulation of mushroom species decreased during the phase of emergence into the tube using traditional cultivation technology. At the same time, during the earing phase, mushroom sporulation increases by 2–3 times. This can be explained by the homeostatic reaction of the population of micromycetes in the mycobiome of vegetative organs of winter wheat plants to the chemical pressure of applied pesticides, which can cause contamination of agrocenoses with infectious structures of pathogens and their toxic metabolites. At the same time, the population density of micromycetes, under organic cultivation technology, increased during the growing season from the tillering phase to the earing phase, depending on the soil and climatic conditions. Under the conditions of various winter wheat cultivation technologies, significant changes in the formation of micromycete populations were observed due to the influence of varietal characteristics of plants. A significantly lower frequency of occurrence of species and their intensity of sporulation was observed on the vegetative organs of the Skagen variety, compared to winter wheat plants of the Podolyanka variety. This testifies to the ability of physiological and biochemical substances of plants of various varieties of winter wheat to stimulate or restrain the development of micromycetes in the mycobiome of vegetative organs of the culture. Evaluation of the plant variety based on indicators of influence on the density, frequency of occurrence and intensity of sporulation of micromycetes will ensure a decrease in the level of biological pollution and an increase in the biosafety of plant raw materials.

БИОХИМИЧЕСКАЯ ИНТЕРПРЕТАЦИЯ СИНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКОГО ДЕЙСТВИЯ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИ АКТИВНЫХ ВЕЩЕСТВ ПО ОТНОШЕНИЮ К ПРОТИВОМИКРОБНЫМ СРЕДСТВАМ МЕТОДАМИ КОМПЬЮТЕРНОЙ ХИМИИ

Due to the widespread resistance of microorganisms to existing drugs, the need for the search and development of new antibacterial forms is extremely high. The use of complexes of natural compounds, characterized by a wide variety, and antibiotics can make it possible to obtain antimicrobial agents of a diverse chemical structure and mechanism of action, and ensure the emergence of new effective medicines.There is a large amount of evidence that biologically active substances (BAS) of plant extracts can improve the work of some antimicrobials, their effect is: the ability to disrupt the structure of the bacterial plasma membrane, causing the formation of pores and leakage of internal contents; changes in electric charge and polarity; increased permeability, change in fluidity and other phenomena responsible for antibacterial activity. Synthesis of antibacterial compounds based on chemical modification of antimicrobial agents by natural complexes is one of the promising methods in the fight against antibiotic resistance. In this work, the synergistic effect of biologically active substances (BAS) of medicinal plants in relation to antimicrobial agents, ceftazidime and fosfomycin was investigated using computer chemistry methods. The variаnt of the effect of BAS on both the antibiotic and penicillin-binding proteins or beta-lactamases as part of a complex with an antibiotic was evaluated, as a result of which protein inhibition, its conformational rearrangement, or a decrease in the required minimum concentration of the antibiotic could occur. Ceftazidime and fosfomycin were chosen as the studied antibacterial drugs. The ligands were 8 molecules (BAS) with antimicrobial properties, such as: allicin, gallic acid, dihydroquercitin, rutin, atropine, tannin, thymol and saponin. 2 proteins from the RCSB Protein Data Bank database belonging to two different classes of enzymes were selected as binding models. At the first stage, the molecules of the studied substances were optimized in a small approximation HF/3-21+G and the thermodynamic problem was calculated. The second stage was a configuration search, after which molecular docking took place, binding of the studied substances (ligands) with protein molecules in the AutoDock 4.2.6 program. As a result, it was possible to obtain several binding sites, the probability of which would be the greatest.

Anabolic metabolism of autotoxic substance coumarins in plants

Background Autotoxicity is an intraspecific manifestation of allelopathy in plant species. The specialized metabolites and their derivatives that cause intraspecific allelopathic inhibition in the plant are known as autotoxic substances. Consequently, autotoxic substances production seriously affects the renewal and stability of ecological communities. Methods This article systematically summarizes the types of autotoxic substances present in different plants. They mainly include phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and nitrogenous organic compounds. Phenolic coumarins are the main autotoxic substances in many plants. Therefore, we also discuss differences in coumarin types and content among plant varieties, developmental stages, and tissue parts, as well as their mechanisms of autotoxicity. In addition, we review the metabolic pathways involved in coumarin biosynthesis, the key enzymes, genes, and transcription factors, as well as factors affecting coumarin biosynthesis. Results Coumarin biosynthesis involves three stages: (1) the formation of the coumarin nucleus; (2) acylation, hydroxylation, and cyclization; (3) structural modification. The key enzymes involved in the coumarin nuclear formation stage include PAL, C4H, 4CL, HCT, CAOMT, COSY, F6’H, and CCoAOMT1, and the key genes involved include BGA, CYP450 and MDR, among others. Ortho-hydroxylation is a key step in coumarin biosynthesis and PS, COSY and S8H are the key enzymes involved in this process. Finally, UGTs are responsible for the glycosylation modification of coumarins, and the MaUGT gene may therefore be involved in coumarin biosynthesis. Conclusion It is important to elucidate the autotoxicity and anabolic mechanisms of coumarins to create new germplasms that produce fewer autotoxic substances.

Influence of Growth Regulators and Tryptophan on Enhancing Production Bioactive Compounds in Callus Cultures of Pistacia weinmannifolia

The experiment was conducted in Tissue culture laboratory at the Biology Department, College of Science ‘University of Al-Qadisiyah. With two explants (the growing apex and the lateral buds), the researchers looked at how the growth regulators (IAA and BA) and Tryptophan affected callus weight and stimulated the synthesis of active substance in Pistacia weinmannifolia plants grown in a tissue culture setting. After sterilization in 70% ethanol solution for 1 minute and 10% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution for 20 minutes, one node 0.5–1.0 cm in length is planted in test tubes containing MS medium for tissue culture, to which various concentrations of growth regulators and Tryptophan are added, and the tubes are placed in a growth chamber with a temperature of 252 °C and light conditions. Data taken after 45 days of cultivation for all experiments. Better treatment IAA (0.2 mg/L) BA (0.5m.1) and Tryptophan ( 0.1mg/L) gave the highest weight. And significant increase of pentadecanc, Methylox and Catolin. As for treatment IAA ( 0.2mg/L) BA (0.25mg/L) Tryptophan ( 0.1 mg/L) gave highes percentage of active compound Hexadecene.

Investigating the uptake and fate of per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) in bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris): comparison between target MS and sum parameter analysis via HR-CS-GFMAS

In this study, we present a screening method based on molecular absorption spectrometry to study PFAS uptake and fate in plants. To evaluate the suitability of this method we analyzed plant extracts with molecular absorption spectrometry (MAS) as well as liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for mass balance studies (w(F)). French bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) were grown on soil spiked using eight PFAS substances that vary in chain length and functional group composition. Specifically, these include three short-chained (C4–C5), five long-chained (C7–C10) carboxylic acids, one sulfonic acid and one sulfonic amide moieties. To investigate substance-specific PFAS uptake systematically, PFAS were spiked as single substance spike. Additionally, we studied one mixture of the investigated substances in equal proportions regarding w(F) and four PFAS mixtures of unknown composition. After 6 weeks, the plants were separated into four compartments. We analyzed the four compartments as well as the soil for extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF) by high resolution-continuum source-graphite furnace-molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS) as well as for sum of ten target-PFAS by LC–MS/MS. All three short-chained PFAS perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorobutanoic sulfonic acid (PFBS) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) were determined in high concentrations mainly in the fruits of the investigated plants while long-chained PFAS perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) were mainly determined in roots. PFBS was determined in remarkably high concentrations in leaves compartment by both quantification methods. Overall, comprehensive results of single substance spikes were in good agreement for both methods except for a few cases. Hence, two phenomena were identified: for mixed PFAS spikes of unknown composition huge differences between EOF and sum of target PFAS were observed with systematically higher EOF values. Overall, both methods indicate comparable results with MS being more reliable for known PFAS contamination and MAS being more valuable to identify PFAS exposure of unknown composition.Graphical

Could Bioluminescent Bacteria be Used in the Search for New Plant-derived Antibacterial Substances?

Introduction. Currently, the search for new antibacterial substances is an urgent task due to the growing resistance of pathogens to existing antibiotics. One of the key directions in this area is the expansion of scientific research of medicinal plants, as new sources of therapeutic agents. This article examines the possibility of using highly sensitive bioluminescent test bacteria for these purposes, which can quickly detect non-specific antimicrobial activity and can be adapted to highly effective pharmaceutical screening technologies.Aim. To study the applicability of bioluminescent bacteria for the analysis of the antibacterial activity of biologically active substances (BAS) of plant origin.Materials and methods. BAS quercetin, 8-hydroxyquinoline, gallic acid and thymoquinone, which are often found in medicinal plant raw materials and with which its antibacterial properties are associated, were used in the work. Bacteria with constitutive bioluminescence Aliivibrio fischeri F1 and Escherichia coli (pXen7), as well as recombinant bioreporter strains with inducible luminescence were used as test-objects: E. coli (pRecA-lux), E. coli (pColD-lux), reacting to nucleic acid damage; E. coli (pKatG-lux) and E. coli (pSoxS-lux), sensitive to oxidative stress.Results and discussion. It was found that the nonspecific antimicrobial activity of the studied BAS is manifested in the inhibition of bacterial bioluminescence of test-strains with constitutive glowing. It was noted that the marine test-bacteria A. fischeri F1 have significantly greater sensitivity to the action of BAS, compared with the recombinant strain of E. coli (pXen7). It has been shown that their inhibitory effect begins at concentrations of 2 mcg/ml, and bactericidal activity occurs at concentrations of more than 20 mcg/ml. The results obtained are compared with the data on MIC and MBC of gram(+) and gram(–) pathogens. The study of the induction of bioluminescence of recombinant bioreporter strains showed that the antibacterial effect of the BAS is accompanied by oxidative stress. Also, quercetin caused activation of luminescence in E. coli (pRecA-lux) and E. coli (pColD-lux), which may indicate its participation in damage to nucleic acids. Analysis of the induction factors of bioreporter strains indicates that the revealed mechanisms of antibacterial activity are not major, but may be of a secondary nature.Conclusion. It has been shown that the intensity of the glow of natural and recombinant bioluminescent bacteria can be an indicator of the antibacterial activity of BAS of natural origin. The high sensitivity of A. fischeri F1 bacteria to the action of substances such as quercetin, 8-hydroxyquinoline, gallic acid and thymoquinone has been shown. Considering that bioluminescence analysis is a quantitative instrumental method, it can be easily adapted for high-throughput pharmaceutical screening. It has been shown that the luminescence intensity of natural and recombinant bioluminescent bacteria can be an indicator of the antibacterial activity of BAS of natural origin. The high sensitivity of A. fischeri F1 to the action of substances such as quercetin, 8-hydroxyquinoline, gallic acid and thymoquinone has been established. Taking in an account that bioluminescent analysis is a quantitative instrumental method, it can be easily adapted for high-throughput pharmaceutical screening.

Research progresses on the effect of drying technology on α-glucosidase inhibitors in plants

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. It is one of the chronic non-communicable diseases after tumor and cardiovascular diseases, which seriously threatens the life and health safety of human beings. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors can reduce fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose. Compared with traditional inhibitors, the hypoglycemic components extracted from plants have less side effects, have an integrated mechanism of action, and the advantage of mild and lasting effects. Drying technology plays the role of controlling insects, mildew and not easy to deteriorate, which is conducive to the storage, transportation and dispensing of plants, so drying has become the essential operation unit of plants processing. Recently, various drying methods have been applied to the processing of hypoglycemic plants. The choice of drying technology affects the content and activity of active substances in plants, as well as the energy consumption, equipment investment, and drying cost. Therefore, this article reviews the effects of commonly used drying methods on substances with glucosidase inhibitory activity in hypoglycemic plants.

Justification of the choice of excipients during the development of the composition of “Pastinocard” tablets

The aim of the work is to justify the choice of excipients as components for the cardioprotective medicine “Pastinocard” tablets based on the domestic raw material of cultivated parsnip herb thick extract (CPHTE). Materials and methods. Experimental test samples of mixtures of the plant substance of domestic origin CPHTE with groups of excipients, approved for medical use, were used as the object of research. Results. We conducted experimental research by a mathematical planning method called the Greek–Latin square. In this study, we investigated how 16 different auxiliary substances affected the pharmacotechnological properties of tableting masses and tablets made from PPTEG with cardioprotective properties. Our goal was to determine the optimal composition and manufacturing process for a medication, specifically “Pastinocard” tablets. We also developed project plans for manufacturing regulations and quality control methods, which we successfully tested in the industrial production setting at Pharmaceutical Company “Zdorovye”, LTD in Kharkiv. Conclusions. The formulation for cardioprotective tablets, designated as “Pastinocard”, has been both theoretically justified and experimentally developed by domestic CPHTE raw materials. These research findings have been instrumental in crafting the regulatory documentation for quality control and the production processes of the resulting tablet medication.

Research progress on plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles and their applications

Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles(PELNs) are a class of membranous vesicles with diameters approximately ranging from 30 to 300 nm, isolated from plant tissues. They contain components such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. PELNs play an important role in the metabolism of plant substances and immune defense, and can also cross-regulate the physiological activities of fungi and animal cells, showing significant potential applications. In recent years, research on PELNs has significantly increased, highlighting three main issues:(1) the mixed sources of plant materials for PELNs;(2) the lack of a unified system for isolating and characterizing PELNs;(3) the urgent need to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cross-regulation of biological functions by PELNs. This article focused on these concerns. It began by summarizing the biological origin and composition of PELNs, discussing the techniques for isolating and characterizing PELNs, and analyzing their biomedical applications and potential future research directions., aiming to promote the establishment of standardized research protocols for PELNs and provide theoretical references for in-depth exploration of the mechanisms underlying PELNs' cross-regulatory effects.

ANACYCLUS PYRETHRUM: A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PHYTOCHEMISTRY, TRADITIONAL USES, AND POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES

Since ancient times, Anacyclus pyrethrum has been utilized as an aphrodisiac. In Ayurvedic medicine, the plant is used toboost libido and enhance sexual performance. Pyrethrins and anacyclins, among other plant substances, improve vaginalblood flow and sensation. It raises libido and promotes hormone synthesis. The plant is also claimed to have powerfulantioxidant qualities that enhance overall well-being. In addition to being used for its intended purpose, Anacycluspyrethrum is thought to provide potential health advantages. It functions as an oxygen inhibitor and has anti-inflammatoryqualities that might help in the fight against chronic illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. Additionally, someresearch has revealed that the herb may have neuroprotective qualities, making it a viable therapy for brain diseases likeAlzheimer's. The herb Anacyclus pyrethrum has a long history of use as a traditional medicine. It is a powerful naturalmedicine thanks to its aphrodisiac effects and oral health advantages. Additionally, the possible health advantages outsideof its regular use make for an intriguing research topic.

Clinical and pharmacological aspects of vervain (Verbena officinalis L.) using in the treatment of respiratory system diseases (literature review)

In the pharmacotherapy of the respiratory system diseases, phytotherapy attracts attention due to the high preventive and therapeutic potential of biologically active substances of medicinal plants. At the same time, verification of the effectiveness and safety of herbal drugs is necessary. That is why scientific research of folk medicine plants including common verbena (Verbena officinalis L.) of the Verbenaceae family has been carried out.
 The aim of the work is the analysis of verified data on the chemical composition of the herb verbena, the results of pharmacological and toxicological studies directed at determining the effectiveness and safety in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract.
 The search for verified data using Internet resources, comparative analysis, systematization and generalization of data were carried out.
 The main secondary metabolites that determine the profile of verbena herb biological activity are iridoid glycosides (verbenalin, aucubine and gastatoside), as well as phenylpropanoid glycosides (verbascoside, isoverbascoside and eukovoside). Thus, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of certain verbena extracts against clinically significant strains of bacteria and fungi has been proven. The anti-inflammatory effect of various extracts of the Verbena herb was established on carrageenan-induced and formalin-induced edema models. The antioxidant effect of certain verbena herb fractions has been proven by in vitro methods. It is important at presence of diseases for which oxidative stress is an important pathogenetic factor. The results of clinical studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity of the vervaine herb decoction applied topically in the case of chronic gingivitis. The expediency of verbascoside use for increasing the barrier functions of the oral mucosa, promoting epithelization, reducing pain and other signs of inflammation in oral mucositis against the background of tumour chemotherapy has been substantiated. Toxicological studies have shown that different verbena herb extracts belong to the class of low-toxic or practically non-toxic substances when taken orally.
 Thus, the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of verbena, as well as its high level of safety, substantiate the prospects for the use of this medicinal plant in the treatment of the respiratory system diseases.

Biochar Decreases Fertilizer Leaching and Promotes Miscanthus Growth in Saline-Alkaline Soil.

Biochar has been widely reported to improve soil conditions and affect plant growth. However, its effectiveness is limited by soil type and production technology. Considering the application effect of biochar in saline alkali soil, there is currently a lack of in-depth mechanism explanations in the research. Therefore, we designed an experiment to explore the effect of biochar on plant growth in saline alkali soil and conducted soil column experiments in a greenhouse environment using composite inorganic fertilizer (NPK). The results showed that biochar significantly affected the distribution of soil nutrient content at different depths, with a significant increase in fertility levels in the surface and middle layers and a decrease in fertility levels in deep soils. Compared to using fertilizers alone, the combined use of biochar and fertilizers further expands the enrichment effect and significantly reduces the leaching of fertilizers into deeper layers. At the same time, the application of biochar also improved soil properties, including an increase in electrical conductivity and organic matter content, as well as an increase in soil enzyme activity. On the other hand, the application of biochar also increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of osmoregulation substances in plants, reducing the environmental stress that plants are subjected to. Therefore, our results indicate that biochar can reduce the leaching of fertilizers into deep soil layers, improve soil properties, and promotes the growth of Miscanthus in saline alkali soils.

Comprehensive transcriptome and WGCNA analysis reveals the potential function of anthocyanins in low-temperature resistance of a red flower mutant tobacco

The anthocyanin is a protective substance in various plants, and plays important roles in resisting to low-temperature. Here, we explored transcriptome analysis of pink flower (as CK) and the natural mutant red flower (as research objects) under low-temperature conditions, and aimed to reveal the potential functions of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-related regulatory factors in resistance to low-temperature. Our results showed that most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding key enzymes in the late stage of anthocyanin metabolism in the mutant were significantly up-regulated. Meanwhile, several genes significantly differentially expressed in CK or mutant were obtained by classification and analysis of transcription factors (TFs), phytohormones and osmoregulators. Additionally, WGCNA was carried out to mine hub genes resistanted to low-temperature stress in flavonoid pathway. Finally, one UFGT family gene, three MYB and one bHLH were obtained as the future hub genes of this study. Combined with the above information, we concluded that the ability of the red flower mutant to grow and develop normally at low-temperatures was the result of a combination of flavonoids and cold resistance genes.

Antibacterial Activity against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria and Biolarvicide to Aedes aegypti from Cocok Bubu (Elatostema rostratum (Blume) Hassk) Leaves Extract

Tropical diseases are infectious diseases that commonly occur in tropical climates. Infectious diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and are transmitted by several vectors. There are 8 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that have spread in Indonesia. Therefore, massive efforts are needed to overcome this disease. Active plant substances have long been popular in treating various diseases. Cocok Bubu (Elatostema rostratum (Blume) Hassk) is an endemic plant of Indonesia. Ethnobotanical studies of this plant are used to treat fever and diarrhea. But, there are no pharmacological studies on previous research because this species belongs to a limited distribution plant. However, Elatostema has a secondary metabolite with various pharmacological activities. This study aims to determine the activity of antibacterial and biolarvicides from Cocok bubu leaf extract. The extraction using the maceration method with acetone, phytochemicals screening, toxicity test using BSLT, antibacterial test with disc diffusion to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutant, and Streptococcus sanguinis, and biolarvicide activity against Aedes aegypti. Based on the results, Cocok bubu leaf extract contains flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin, tannin, terpenoids, and steroids with a toxicity of 758.45 ppm. From antibacterial activity results, Cocok bubu exctract had the best inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus (10 – 18 mm). According to the biolarvicide test, it is effective as a biolarvicide to Aedes aegypti with LC50 51.099 ppm and LT50 of 5 h 43 min. This study shows that Cocok bubu was more effective for treating and preventing NTDs in Indonesia, especially dengue and chikungunya fever in the future.

Evaluation des structures locales de stockage des grains et des graines dans le Département des Bamboutos, Cameroun

Post-harvest food losses remain a major problem in sub-Saharan Africa. A study of local storage structures aimed at carrying out a diagnostic analysis of post-harvest losses in grains and seeds in the Bamboutos department, West region, Cameroon. A questionnaire survey was carried out among 240 producers in 12 villages, spread over 3 subdivisions. Air temperature and relative humidity data were collected over 80 days at two storage stores in this study area. Twelve samples of food infested by insect were taken and deposited in the entomology laboratory of the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences at Dschang University for identification. It emerges from this investigation that corn is the only grain stored by producers. Beans and peanuts are mostly stored seeds, while pistachios and soybeans are seeds stored by few farmers. Three structures are used for grain storage: granaries (86.25%), cribs (10.42%) and stores (3.33%). Among the containers, two are mainly used for seed storage: barrels (58.38%) and bags (39.25%); buckets with lids are used by a few farmers (2.36%). The storage period of corn is between 8 and 12 months. The storage period of peanuts is between 6 and 8 months and beans between 4 and 5 months. The use of chemicals, inert matter (ash) and plant substance (neem) are the three methods of protection used in Bamboutos. Bamboutos storage stores promote the development of molds and insects. Three major groups of biological agents are responsible for spoilage: insects (Callosobruchus maculatus F., Sitophilus zeamais M. and Acanthoscelides obtectus S.), rodents (Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus and Mus musculus) and molds. Insects are the pests that cause the most damage to stored products according to 55.42% of producers. According to 23.58% of producers, it is rodents and 15% molds. Farmers estimate that the damage to the stock is between 7% and 30% after destocking of maize. This damage is between 2% and 5% after removal of beans from storage and less than 3% after removal of peanuts. Farmers underestimate the damage caused by pests on corn, which is around 40% after 10 months of storage in granaries. It is therefore essential for Cameroonian farmers to master and respect the storage techniques according to the storage structures and the foodstuffs stored.

Nontarget Screening and Fate of Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Wastewater Treatment Plants in Tianjin, China.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are typical point sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) released into the environment. The suspect and nontarget screening based on gas chromatography or liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry were performed on atmosphere, wastewater, and sludge samples collected from two WWTPs in Tianjin to discover emerging PFAS and their fate in this study. A total of 40 PFAS (14 neutral and 26 ionic) and 64 PFAS were identified in the atmosphere and wastewater/sludge, respectively, among which 5 short-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide derivatives, 4 ionic PFAS, and 15 aqueous film-forming foam-related cationic or zwitterionic PFAS have rarely or never been reported in WWTPs in China. Active air sampling is more conducive to the enrichment of emerging PFAS, while passive sampling is inclined to leave out some ultrashort-chain PFAS or unstable transformation intermediates. Moreover, most precursors and intermediates could be enriched in the atmosphere at night, while the PFAS associated with aerosols with high water content or particles enter the atmosphere easily during the day. Although most emerging PFAS could not be eliminated efficiently in conventional treatment units, deep bed filtration and advanced oxidation processes could partly remove some emerging precursors.

Błękit i rośliny lecznicze – słów kilka o indygo i nie tylko

Blue color and medicinal plants – a few words about indigo and more Until the development of organic chemistry and the production of synthetic dyes in the second half of the 19th century, substances of natural origin were the only source of color compounds. These could be mineral, plant, and animal products, used in the form of raw products (e.g., crushed metals, minerals, animal fragments, or their excretions) and preparations derived from them. Among the plants we find many species that have been used as sources of coloring substances. They were valued primarily in the production of various utility or decorative fabrics and were used to dye natural fibers. Plant extracts or purified fractions of color compounds were also used as pigments in painting, in the illumination of books, and as substances that improve the look of medicines or foodstuffs. Some had medicinal significance per se. Among them, a small group of plant substances with a blue color is of special interest. The most famous natural raw material of this group is indigo (Indigo), obtained from Indigofera tinctoria L. and its substitutes. Noteworthy is also the less known wood of the logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum L.), known as the blue tree. This work presents the history, uses, and therapeutic importance of the abovementioned raw materials and their contemporary use.